The World Economic Forum WEF is set to expand its global Fourth Industrial Revolution Network with the launch of five new Centres for the Fourth Industrial Revolution C4IR in France, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, and India. These centres aim to support governments and industry in adopting frontier technologies responsibly while addressing regional priorities and advancing international cooperation. Focus areas will include artificial intelligence AI, energy transition, cyber resilience, and other emerging technologies.
In France, the European Centre for AI Excellence in Paris will accelerate responsible AI innovation and adoption across sectors, enhancing Europe's competitiveness in technology and industry. In the United Kingdom, the Centre for AI-Driven Innovation at Imperial College London will develop cutting-edge AI applications and explore convergence with frontier technologies such as quantum computing, biotechnology, and generative AI.
The UAE will host two new centres. The Centre for Frontier Technologies in Abu Dhabi, hosted by the Technology Innovation Institute, will focus on quantum technologies, robotics, and space, promoting public-private collaboration for responsible deployment of advanced technologies. Meanwhile, the Centre for Intelligent Future at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence MBZUAI will strengthen AI research, infrastructure, and innovation, connecting frontier research to societal and economic challenges.
